Clarksville Police arrest 3 people with more than $1.5 M in counterfeit goods

Clarksville detectives arrested three people Thursday found with more than $1.5 M in counterfeit goods, more than $24 K in cash and almost 70 lbs of marijuana.

Chen Fei, Xiu Li and Sheng Yao Li were taken into custody on money laundering and using counterfeit marks or logos.

The CPD worked with Kroger's Organized Retail Crime Unit and Investigators working for designers victimized from sales of counterfeit products to serve warrants at four locations in Clarksville.

According to the CPD, the warrants were a result of a three month investigation. Detectives seized more than $24,000 in cash and almost 70 lbs of marijuana seized. The counterfeited goods are in excess $1,500,000 and over $100,000 for the marijuana.

Detectives said the proceeds from counterfeit merchandise by definition constitutes money laundering. Police said counterfeiting is an extremely easy industry to enter, while maintaining a certain level of anonymity.

"The profits from counterfeit sales considerably outweigh those of other illegal activities," said a release from Clarksville Police. "While the sales of cocaine might yield a 100% profit margin, sales of counterfeited products could earn a proficient counterfeiter profits of up to 900%."

Chen Fei and Xiu Li were booked in the Montgomery Co. Jail on a $100,000 bond each. Sheng Yao Li was arrested in Nashville and transported to be booked in the Montgomery County Jail on a $200,000 bond.